We welcome you and your child to our program!

Kids Play is a school-age childcare program offered through Community Education at St. Michael-Albertville Schools. We provide care before and after school, on no-school days, during breaks, and in the summer, as well as full-day childcare program for 4 and 5 year-olds.

Kids Play is more than childcare — it’s a place where children feel connected, respected, and supported. We focus on helping children develop independence, responsibility, creativity, and friendships.

Our program encourages children to make choices, explore interests, and learn through play in a safe, supervised setting. Children participate in a variety of activities each day, including arts and crafts, group games, outdoor play, gym time, free play, computer and enrichment opportunities.

We will use “Kids Play” throughout this booklet to also include Just 4 Kids and Club Knights programs.

LOCATIONS:

• Albertville Primary
  • 5386 Main Ave. NE, Albertville, MN 55301
  • 763-497-6562 Option #3
• Big Woods Elementary
  • 13470 Frankfort Parkway NE, St. Michael, Mn 55376
  • 763-497-6562 Option #5
• Community Education Center
  • 60 West Central Ave, St. Michael, Mn 55376
  • 763-497-6562 Option #1
• Fieldstone Elementary
  • 5255 Jansen Ave. NE, St. Michael, Mn 55376
  • 763-497-6562 Option #2
• St. Michael Elementary
  • 101 West Central Ave., St. Michael, Mn 55376 
  • 763-497-6562 Option #6
• Club Knights
  • Summer only for 3rd-6th graders
  • 4862 Naber Ave NE, St. Michael, Mn 55376
  • 763-497-6562 Option #4

REGISTRATION AND BILLING WEBSITE: STMA.ARUX.APP

COORDINATOR: Lisa Becker, LisaB@mystma.org, 763-497-6513

Hours of Operation

Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Calendar

We will be closed on the following days. Tuition will not be charged on these days, and exact dates may vary based on the school calendar:

• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving
• Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan. 1
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• July 4
• 2-3 days prior to the start of the summer program
• One week prior to the start of the school year

Staff

Our caring and dedicated staff are the heart of Kids Play. Their top priorities are your child’s safety and happiness. All staff are employees of St. Michael–Albertville Schools and completed background checks and required training. Staff build positive relationships and model respect, kindness, and responsibility. We believe strong communication between staff and families helps each child thrive.

Child-to-Staff Ratios

• Pre-Kindergarten: 1 staff per 10 children
• Kindergarten–6th Grade: 1 staff per 15 children

School Year Program

Care begins on the first day of school and continues through the last day of the school year.

Please note that care is not available on district holidays or emergency closure days.

No-School Days and Early Release Days

We offer care on select no-school days and early release days to make life easier for families.

• Registration for these days is separate and must be completed online before the deadline.
• Late registrations are welcome if space allows and may include a $5 late fee.
• Care on no-school days takes place at the Community Education Center. Early release care is at your child’s school.
• Children should bring a bag lunch and an afternoon snack, and we ask that they eat breakfast before arrival.

Summer Program

Our summer program is available for children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade:

• Kids Play: Pre-K to 2nd grade, located at the Community Education Center
• Club Knights: 3rd–6th grade, located at Middle School East

Summer care begins a few days after the school year ends and continues until one week before the new school year starts. Children enjoy field trips, outdoor games, and a variety of themed activities. Meals are not included in tuition, so please pack a lunch and snacks.

Just 4 Kids

• Children who are 4 years old by September 1 are welcome to enroll. This
• program provides a nurturing, fun, and engaging environment designed to
• help prepare children for Kindergarten.
• Open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM–6:00 PM. Just 4 Kids follows
• all the same policies and procedures as Kids Play.

Program Highlights

• Developmentally appropriate, theme-based learning activities
• Curriculum includes reading, writing, math, and science, with a focus on social skills
• Daily opportunities for free play, art, music, movement, and sensory activities
• Outdoor and gym time to support gross motor development

Program Details

• Just 4 Kids follows the same calendar as Kids Play.
• Optional care is available on most no-school days, winter break, and spring break.
• Breakfast, milk, and lunch are available through the school district meal program. Afternoon snack is provided at no extra cost.
• Children must be fully toilet trained and independent in the bathroom.

All children must be registered to attend Kids Play. Enrollment is separate for each season (school year and summer) and is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows. To join, children must meet the age/grade requirements, be fully potty trained, and be able to use the bathroom independently. Your child should also be able to follow multi-step directions, stay with staff, communicate their needs, and follow program behavior expectations.

Families must be in good financial standing with Community Education to be enrolled.

How to Register

• Complete an online registration request at stma.arux.app. You may need to create an account.
• Make sure to provide a valid email address so we can keep you updated.
• A registration fee is collected once your contract has been approved. You will receive a confirmation email when this occurs.
• If the program is full, your child will be placed on a waitlist, and your contract will show as “pending.”
• Summer care does not guarantee child care for the school year.

Priority Registration

• Current Kids Play families receive early access during “Priority Registration.” Information will be emailed to current families.
• Eligible siblings of enrolled children may also register during this period.
• Your child must be enrolled through the last day of the school year. If your child withdraws early, your child’s spot will not be held for the following school year.

New Enrollments

New families may register once open enrollment begins. This date is announced on the school district website.

Special Needs

We welcome all children and strive to support individual needs whenever possible. However, our group environment is active, loud and busy, and largely self directed, which may not be suitable for every child. Please inform us of any medical conditions or special needs prior to registration. We may schedule a meeting to review needs, develop a support plan, and coordinate with school staff. Enrollment may be delayed until appropriate staffing or accommodations are arranged.

Kids Play is a self-funded program supported by tuition and fees. Parents or guardians are responsible for all charges, regardless of attendance.

Billing

For billing questions, contact Coordinator Lisa Becker at 763-497-6513 or LisaB@mystma.org.

Payment Schedule

Payments are due on the 1st and 15th of each month. Invoices are emailed approximately five business days before each due date.

Late payments incur a $20 fee, and services may be suspended if your account becomes past due. Continued nonpayment will result in termination of care and referral to a collection agency.

Payment Options

• Auto-Pay: Automatically charge your debit/credit card or bank account on due dates.
• Online: Make payments anytime through your Arux account.
• Drop Off: Submit payments at your child’s site, the Community Education office, or in the secure drop box outside the Community Education Center at door A.

Note: Online payments are charged a processing fee.

Returned Checks

A $30 fee applies for checks returned due to insufficient funds. After two returned checks, only cash or credit card payments will be accepted. Care maybe suspended until payment is made.

Tax Statements

Statements for childcare payments are available on your Arux account after January 1 each year.

Late Pick-Up

Kids Play closes promptly at 6:00 PM. If you have an emergency and must be late, contact your child’s site. Late pick-up fees are charged per family, per site.

• 6:00–6:10 PM: $5 fee per family, per site
• After 6:10 PM: $1 per additional minute

If lateness becomes frequent, care may be terminated. If you are more than 15 minutes late and emergency contacts cannot be reached, local authorities may be contacted for assistance.

Finder Fees

Parents are required to notify Kids Play if your child will be absent or a late arrival after school. School personnel are not responsible for contacting Kids Play. If staff must locate a child who is absent after school, a $5 finder’s fee will be added to the account. Repeated failure to notify staff may result in termination of care. Attendance line is 763-497-6562.

We charge based on your child’s contracted schedule whether or not your child is in attendance. Charges apply for all absences and vacations. We do not charge for holidays when we are closed.

By enrolling your child, you are agree to the terms below. This agreement will be presented as part of the online enrollment process, and your enrollment constitutes acceptance of all our terms and statements outlined below.

Terms

When registering, families agree to:

• Pay all tuition and fees on time. Unpaid accounts may prevent participation in other Community Education programs.
• Keep account and emergency contact information current.
• Ensure children are toilet trained, self-sufficient and can communicate their needs. Kids Play is not designed to provide direct support for individual children. If your child has special needs, please contact us prior to registration.
• Adhere to all Kids Play and school district policies for safety and respect.
• Allow staff to exchange information with school personnel when it benefits your child.
• Understand that employees are not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur, except in cases of staff negligence.
• Medical and dental insurance coverage for children is the responsibility of parent.
• Acknowledge that photos or videos may occasionally be taken for program and marketing use; individual names will not be shared.
• Grant permission for children to participate in walking trips and bused field trips under staff supervision.
• Read and understand all policies and procedures outlined in the handbook, which can be found online through the school district website.

Schedule Changes and Withdrawal

• A two-week notice is required to permanently change or end your child’s contract.
• Schedule changes will be charged a $5 processing fee.
• Additional care days require 48-hour notice and are approved based on space availability.
• Families must maintain a minimum three-day-per-week schedule with consistent days each week. Just 4 Kids program requires 5 days a week schedule.
• Accounts must be paid in full before withdrawal from the program.

Add-a-Day

If your child attends on days outside of their contracted schedule, the add-a-day rate will apply.

A 48-hour notice is required, and extra care is approved based on space availability.

Daily Sign In and Out

For your child’s safety, every child must be signed in and out each day. At the Club Knights summer program, children may enter the building on their own but must check in with staff. Staff will sign children in on the iPad, and a parent or authorized person must sign them out.

• Children will only be released to individuals on the authorized pick-up list. To allow someone else to pick up your child, add them to the list through your account or provide written permission via fax or email before pick-up.
• Telephone authorizations are accepted only in emergencies.
• Staff may request a photo ID if they do not recognize the person picking up.
• Parents or authorized individuals, at least 13 years old, must have verbal contact with a staff member at pick-up.
• A person picking up must sign out on iPad and under their own name.

Unauthorized Pick-Up and Custody

If a biological parent or unauthorized person is prohibited from picking up a child, Kids Play must have a court order on file specifying these restrictions. Without legal documentation, both parents retain pick-up rights with proper identification.

Kids Play staff do not keep track of parenting schedules and cannot mediate custody or parenting-time disputes. Please resolve these matters outside of the program.

Activities and Transportation

If your child participates in another activity through Community Education, FYCC, school sports, or similar activities during program hours, you must complete an activity form.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from activities. If your child’s activity conflicts with a field trip, you will need to decide whether they attend the field trip or the activity. Children are not allowed to stay on-site with a different age group.

Exchange of Information

Staff may exchange information with school personnel when it benefits the safety or well-being of a child.

Communication

Each Kids Play site posts updates and reminders in a designated parent area. Families also receive emails or text messages regarding registration information, deadlines, reminders, and weather-related closures. Please keep your Eleyo account information—including phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts—up to date at all times.

Absence Notification

If your child will not be attending, please call the attendance line at 763-497-6562. Schools do not notify Kids Play of absences. There are no refunds or credits for absences.

We believe children thrive in an environment built on respect, safety, and responsibility. We ask all participants to follow these guidelines:

• Follow all school and program policies and procedures.
• Use kind and respectful language.
• Respect other children and staff; accept differences.
• Listen to staff and follow directions; report problems to staff.
• Treat others, materials, and property with care.
• Stay in supervised areas at all times.
• Keep hands and feet to yourself.

Unacceptable Behaviors

Behaviors that harm, threaten, or disrespect others will not be tolerated, including:

• Verbal threats, bullying, or harassment.
• Disrespectful language or gestures.
• Refusal to follow staff directions.
• Physical aggression (such as hitting, kicking, spitting, or throwing objects).
• Destruction or misuse of property.
• Leaving the group or program area without permission.
• Inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, sexual comments, or intimidation to children or staff.

If a child’s behavior poses a safety risk, suspension or removal from the program may occur. Repeated or serious incidents can result in immediate suspension or termination of care.

Weapons

In accordance with school district policy, real or toy weapons are not allowed at Kids Play. This includes objects that could cause harm or be perceived as weapons. Acting out, building, or drawing weapons is also prohibited. Violations may result in termination of care and notification to the school.

School Suspension

Children suspended from school are not permitted to attend Kids Play during their suspension period.

Safety and Emergency Drills

Kids Play follows all district safety procedures. Regular drills are conducted for fire, lockdown, severe weather, and evacuation. During these drills, staff will guide children calmly through safety steps.

Child Protection

Under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 626.556), Kids Play staff are mandated reporters. We are legally required to report any suspected physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect of a child to the appropriate authorities.

Playground Use

Kids Play has priority use of district playgrounds and outdoor areas between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday–Friday. Community members may use playgrounds only when Kids Play is not present.

A registered nurse is available for consultation but not present on site at all times. Contact the Community Education Nurse at 763-497-6528 if you have questions.

If your child is too ill to attend school, they may not attend Kids Play.

Please keep your child home if they show any of the following:

• Fever of 100°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication)
• Vomiting or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours)
• Rash with fever or behavior changes (consult your provider before returning)
• Strep throat (may return 12 hours after starting antibiotics)
• Impetigo, ringworm, or scabies (may return 24 hours after treatment)
• Pink eye- If no pus, eye pain, eye-lid redness; no restrictions. If fever, pus, eye pain or redness, refer for medical treatment. Children may return to program once treatment has started unless unable to keep hands away from eyes.
• Head lice: If live lice are found, the child is excluded from the program. Parents must treat the child and remove all lice and nits from the child’s head and objects they have contacted. The nurse will check the child’s hair at readmittance, one week later, and again in two weeks. If nits are present but no live lice, there are no restrictions; parents must remove all nits.

If your child becomes ill during care, we will contact you to pick them up within one hour. If emergency contacts cannot be reached and your child requires individual care beyond an hour, an additional fee may apply.

Injuries

If your child is injured, staff will contact you if medical attention may be needed and complete an incident report. In emergencies, staff will call 911 first, then contact parents. Paramedics will determine the best course of action and may transport your child to the nearest medical facility. Parents are responsible for all medical expenses. Kids Play employees are not liable for any accidents or injuries that occur unless they result from staff negligence.

Medication

Kids Play can administer medication only with a signed Medication Authorization Form. For long-term prescriptions (over two weeks), a provider’s signature is required.

All medication must be in its original, labeled container, listing:

• Child’s full name
• Name of medication, dosage amount and manufacturer
• Pharmacy name, phone number and prescribing physician
• Directions for use and expiration date

Kids Play staff will administer over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or Benadryl, only with parent authorization and according to label instructions. Please fill out an authorization form which can be found online.

Although Kids Play staff can not administer invasive medications (such as injections), accommodations may be made, when appropriate, for medications that can be self-administered by the child or parent.

School Closing, Late Start or Early Closing

The school district will post information on its website and/or local TV stations regarding closings, late starts, or early dismissals. A robo call and text will also be sent from the school district.

• School Closures Before the Day Begins:

If school is closed before the start of the school day (7:45 a.m.), Kids Play/Just 4 Kids will also be closed. If children are already at our program when the closure is announced, parents will be notified and asked to pick up their children promptly.

• Early Dismissals:

If school closes early, all Kids Play children scheduled to attend the after-school program on that day will be sent to Kids Play. Just 4 Kids and Kids Play will remain open until 4:00 p.m. at no additional charge. We reserve the right to close earlier if weather conditions are severe and parents will be notified.

• Delayed Start Times:

If school has a delayed start, Kids Play will provide care. An additional fee will be charged for the extra hours. Just 4 Kids will operate on its regular schedule.

Clothing

Children go outdoors daily, weather permitting. Please send clothing that is appropriate for the season. In winter, be sure your child has a coat, snow pants, boots, hat, and mittens. Label all items with your child’s first and last name. Tennis shoes are required for gym activities.

Meals and Snacks

During the school year, breakfast is available at school, and parents provide an afternoon snack. For the Just 4 Kids program, breakfast and lunch are provided through the school, and we supply the afternoon snack. On the no-school days and the summer program, children bring a bag lunch and snack from home—please avoid foods that need heating or refrigeration. Children should eat breakfast prior to arrival.

Toys and Electronics

We provide a variety of games and toys, so personal items should stay home unless it’s a designated ‘special day.’ Cell phones, cameras, and smartwatches are not allowed and may be held by staff. Children using computers/electronics are supervised and must follow school district technology rules.

Kids Play provides opportunities for children to experience many facets of the surrounding areas. Parents will be notified in advance of trips and details. We reserve the right to cancel trips due to inclement weather or for your child’s health and safety. By submitting the online enrollment registration, you have given permission for your child to attend all field trips. A fieldtrip calendar will be provided at the beginning of the summer.

• Children will be transported by bus or will walk. Bus safety policies are enforced.
• Children must attend field trips with their assigned group. Staff cannot provide care for children who arrive after the bus departs. Parents may choose to transport their child directly to the destination if child arrives after the bus departed. Staff ratios may be lowered for some trips.
• On fieldtrip days, all children must wear their fieldtrip T-shirt.
• Children should arrive 30 minutes before departure to review trip details and expectations with staff. For safety reasons, please wait to pick up your child until we have returned on site.
• Roll call is taken before leaving site and prior to leaving fieldtrip location.
• Money and personal items should be left at home unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator.

If a child’s behavior poses a safety concern during a trip, parents may be called to pick up their child. Unsafe behavior may result in loss of future field trip privileges.

Swimming

Kids Play swims only at locations with a lifeguard on duty.

• Staff-to-child ratio is approximately 1:6 during swimming.
• Staff conduct regular buddy checks and remain in or near the water at all times.
• Sunscreen is applied before and during outdoor activities.
• Shoes are required except while in the water.
• Club Knights may have access to Middle School East pool for open swim.

Sunscreen

Parents are responsible for supplying sunscreen. Please label bottle with child’s full name. Children are responsible for applying sunscreen with supervision from the staff. If you do not want your child to wear sunscreen, please provide this request in writing. Otherwise, all children are expected to apply sunscreen daily.

At Kids Play, we strive to create a positive, respectful environment for all children, families, and staff. We ask parents and guardians to partner with us by following these expectations:

• All interactions with staff, children, and other parents must be conducted calmly and respectfully.
• Questions or concerns should be addressed directly with the designated site staff or Coordinator.
• The use of harsh, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate language or behavior is not permitted.
• Physical or verbal discipline is not allowed on program premises. You may discipline only your child.
• If a parent or guardian appears impaired by drugs or alcohol, staff will request that another authorized adult pick up the child.
• If a child’s safety is at risk, police may be contacted.
• Staff have the right to disengage from any situation in which they feel unsafe, including verbal or physical harassment.
• Inappropriate comments or physical contact toward staff are not tolerated and may lead to termination of care.
• For privacy reasons, staff cannot share information about other children or families.

Program Action

Failure to follow the Parent Code of Conduct may result in:

• A requirement that another adult handle pick-up/drop-off.
• Suspension or termination of childcare services.

Thank you for helping us maintain a welcoming, safe, and positive community for all families.

CONCERNS & MEDIATION– STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, PARENTS AND OTHER PERSONS

The school district takes seriously all concerns or complaints by students, employees, parents or other persons. It is best to discuss concerns or complaints with the person most familiar with the incident. While written reports are encouraged, a complaint may be made orally. Persons are encouraged to file a complaint at the building level when appropriate. If the concern or complaints are not satisfactorily addressed by the coordinator or director, you may contact the superintendent and school board. Federal law requires that school districts designate specific individuals and procedures for disability discrimination, sex discrimination, equal education and employment opportunity, homelessness and harassment. Contact information is as follows:

• Student Disability Discrimination - ADA/504 Coordinator – Director of Special Services, 763-497-3180, District Office in Middle School West, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, Minnesota
• Homeless Compliance–District Homeless Coordinator - Director of Special Services, 763-497-3180, District Office in Middle School West, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, Minnesota
• Student Sex Discrimination – Human Rights Officer – Director of Administrative Services, 763-497-3180, District Office in Middle School West, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, Minnesota
• Student Sex Nondiscrimination Program Compliance – Title IX Officer – Director of Administrative Services, 763-497-2192, High School, 5800 Jamison Ave., NE, St. Michael, Minnesota
• Student or Staff Harassment – Human Rights Officer - Director of Administrative Services, 763-497-3180, District Office in Middle School West, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, Minnesota
• Equal Education Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity – Human Rights Officer - Director of Administrative Services, 763-497-3180, District Office in Middle School West, 11343 50th St. NE, Albertville, Minnesota

Summer Tuition Rates:  June 9-August 21, 2026

• Non-refundable registration fee of $45.00 per family
• Tuition includes fieldtrips
• No second child discount for PreK and older sibling.

KINDERGARTEN-6TH GRADE:  (grade in 2025-26)

PRE-KINDERGARTEN: 

5 years old by Sept. 1 and entering into Kindergarten. 

School Year Tuition Rates

• Non-refundable registration fee of $45.00 per family
• No second child discount for Just 4 Kids and older sibling.
• NOTE: Currently enrolled must remain enrolled for the rest of the school year for us to hold enrollment for next school year. Tuition rates are subject to change with a 2 week notice.

KINDERGARTEN-4TH GRADE: 

Just 4 Kids: 

Must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026. Monday through Friday schedules only.